Angela Swift, a realtor with Houlihan Lawrence in Greenwich, CT (angelaswift.houlihanlawrence.com), works tirelessly for her clients, as well as for charities that help children and families. Her motto is “I go the extra mile,” a reference to being a runner and triathlete, and she does indeed go that extra mile for Greenwich and her clients.
What are the charities you support? I support many local charities, and I’m privileged to serve on the board of two which are very near and dear to my heart. The first one is Kids in Crisis, which provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community educational programs for Connecticut children and families dealing with a wide range of crises. The second one is the Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation, which provides funding to increase education, advocacy and awareness of boating and water sport safety for adults and children. In addition, I serve on the board of the Riverside Association, a member of the Greenwich Town Party Development Committee, a CCD instructor at St. Catherine’s and a former board member of the Red Cross in Greenwich.
How does charity tie into your business approach? As a realtor, it’s very important for me to be an expert about the housing market and also know everything I can about the town. The only way I can become more informed is to be involved in the community. My parents set the example for my sister and me, showing us the importance of volunteering and giving back to our community. They still volunteer weekly at Hill House.
I love this town! It’s a privilege to live and raise my family in Greenwich so it’s natural for me to want to give back to the community – trying to make our town a better place for everyone, especially for the children.
Do you have a charitable memory? Two significant events this past year left lasting impressions on how volunteering makes a difference for me: Less than a year after the tragic boating accident death of our dear friend Emily Fedorko, her parents and the foundation’s board members watched Emily’s Law being signed by Governor Malloy. The law makes it illegal for anyone under 16 to operate a boat while towing rafters or a water skier. I am certain this law will save lives!
Last year Kids in Crisis took in eight children removed from their parents in an emergency situation. Several of the children were under the age of five. My husband and I volunteered to help feed the children and read to them. The KIC house reminds me of my own home. Children feel safe, loved and part of a family while staying there. The State of Connecticut recently cut its contract with Kids in Crisis, taking away $750,000, so now support is more critical than ever.
What is most rewarding about giving back? It feels good to give back to this great community. It’s my hope that every effort we make puts us a step forward to a better world.
HOW TO HELP
Donate and Volunteer
Find these two charities online at kidsincrisis.org and emsway.org.
GO
Swift is co-chairing the Kids in Crisis Gala on April 1 at the Greenwich Country Club. “The theme this year is the spirit of the Olympics,” says Swift.
RUN
The Emily Catherine Fedorko walk will be held at Tod’s Point in May 2016. Go to emsway.org for more details.
The Kids in Crisis triathlon will be held in June in Stamford. Go to kicitriathalon.com for more details.
